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Applied GIS: Mapping with Technology

Module description

Mapping has undergone a geospatial revolution in recent years through the development of sophisticated Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and online web mapping tools. In this module you will develop understanding of theoretical and practical skills required to capture, store, manage, manipulate, analyse and present a range of geographically referenced data in a GIS environment. These skills are important across all sectors in business, government, and science. This module provides training in industry-standard software packages for spatial data analysis, thereby enhancing future employability of the student. Underpinning theory and core concepts in cartography and spatial thinking is explained through delivered content and then applied to real physical geography data in practical assignments. Learning is facilitated through use of bespoke materials written by the module convenors and continuous feedback on progress is provided.

You must pass this module in order to take GEO2321 Introduction to Remote Sensing.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The overall aims of this module are:

• to enhance capacity for research;
• to increase understanding of spatial data collection and analysis;
• to develop specific skills in the use of sophisticated software (ArcPro) used both in Geographical research and also widely throughout the public and private sectors.

Learning takes place through a series of research projects. Through these, you will develop a good understanding of the opportunities and constraints on the implementation of these analytical tools. You are encouraged to quantitatively evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these research methods and spatial data within the particular context of selected geographical phenomena. You also develop analytical and report writing skills that are in high demand beyond the university and the discipline. Hence, this module will help you to develop and extend your awareness of the importance of taught and learnt skills in strengthening your employability potential.

The delivery of this module is through supported research-led learning. The techniques taught include those that are used in research undertaken by module staff such as landscape changes, spatial analysis and story maps as an assessment tool (Mansell).

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Summarise the principles of Geographical Information Systems
• 2. Use the ESRI Geographical Information System platform in a technically competent manner
• 3. Implement, assess and interpret simple geographical models
• 4. Describe the range of spatial data sources available for characterising geographical systems and analyse any such data

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Identify a diverse range of approaches to the generation of knowledge and understanding
• 6. Evaluate a diverse range of specialised techniques and approaches involved in collecting geographical information
• 7. Describe, apply and evaluate the diversity of specialised techniques and approaches involved in analysing geographical information
• 8. Discuss the nature of change within physical environments

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 9. Formulate and evaluate questions and identify and evaluate approaches to problem-solving
• 10. Identify, acquire, evaluate and synthesise data from a range of sources
• 11. Use Communication and Information Technology effectively and appropriately to select, analyse and present information
• 12. Interpret and use numerical statistical information effectively and appropriately
• 13. Undertake independent/self-directed study/learning (including time management) to achieve consistent, proficient and sustained attainment
• 14. Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively and fluently through maps, story-maps, interactive online tools, written means and through oral communication
• 15. Develop a sustained and reasoned argument
• 16. Develop good practice in data file management

Syllabus plan

Introduction to GIS

• Develop good practice in data file management and keeping records of your data files, techniques, concepts and understanding
• Story Map: Assessing historic river channel change with GIS
• Mapping project: Topographic analysis of geomorphology, canyons and rivers with ArcGIS

Within these projects some or all of the following topics will be covered:

• Investigating environmental change with GIS and historical data
• Data and spatial analysis in geography
• GPS surveys and analysis of spatial change with vector data
• Image georeferencing and analysis using ArcGIS
• analysis of spatial change with vector data
• GIS representation of channel morphology, networks, river basins and change
• Digital elevation models and analysis
• GIS in your future: study, research, and employment

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss the assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE page: https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=9436
• Albrecht, J. (2007) Key concepts and techniques in GIS, Los Angeles, London Sage. [electronic resource] http://lib.exeter.ac.uk/record=b2536082~S6
• Burrough, PA, McDonnell, R, (2015) Principles of geographical information systems. Oxford University Press, Oxford. http://lib.exeter.ac.uk/record=b1680207~S6
• ESRI help (2014) ArcGIS resources, last accessed 22/01/2020  http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/main/10.2/
• Heywood, I., S. Cornelius, S. Carver (2006), An introduction to geographical information systems, 3^rd Edition, Harlow: Pearson Prentice Hall. [Electronic resource] http://lib.exeter.ac.uk/record=b2456793~S6

Key words search

Spatial data, GIS, image analysis, practical reports, rivers and environment, remote sensing, geographical information, systems